9 October 2023

BIA submission to DSIT call for evidence on engineering biology

The BIA has responded to the UK Government’s consultation on engineering biology. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) sought input from research and business communities to inform the development of the UK's engineering biology policy.

In our submission, we highlighted:

  • Close collaboration and a coherent narrative: BIA is calling for Government, industry and other stakeholder organisations to work closely together to create a clear, powerful and coherent narrative and voice around engineering biology in the UK, to drive its commercial uptake and public interest.
  • Leading with impact: As a part of this closer collaboration, stakeholders need to coordinate efforts to promote engineering biology as a solution to global sustainability and health challenges.
  • Scale-up challenge: The UK's world-class research could be better supported to be commercialised with continued long-term public funding, increased private investment, investment in scale-up infrastructure, and a strategic approach to attracting talent and skills.
  • Government support: Government support is essential to support the establishment, growth and success of engineering biology companies in the UK, and incentivise larger companies and existing industries embrace engineering biology.